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How to Avoid Discrimination on the Basis of Disability

First Published October 27th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

This cartoon image shows four people, three men and a woman, next to each other in front of an abstract white and yellow background. All are smiling. The second man is wearing sunglasses and has a white tipped cane; the man at the end of the row is sitting in a wheelchair.

Both the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act make it unlawful for housing providers to discriminate against someone based on their disability. What does that mean for landlords?

The Massachusetts Tenancy Preservation Program: Helping At-Risk Tenants Avoid Eviction

First Published November 30th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

This is a cartoon drawing of an elderly man and woman with white hair embracing in front of a white picket fence with yellow house in the background.

The tenancy preservation program works with tenants to find solutions to disability-related housing issues, helping avoid homelessness.

How to Avoid Housing Discrimination Based on Age

First Published December 16th, 2021 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A pencil drawing of an optical illusion sits in an ornate-looking frame. The drawing is of a woman in a fur coat, and looks like a young woman in her 20s or an elderly lady depending on how you view it. In a speech bubble, the woman states, “It doesn’t matter how old I am.”

Discriminating against renters because landlords feel they are too young or too old can put housing providers in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

State of Massachusetts Bans Mattress and Textile Disposal as of Nov. 1

First Published November 29th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 1 Comment

This is a cartoon image of a large apartment complex in the background, with a green Dumpster out front. Several white and blue mattresses are piled on the ground beside the dumpster.

Mattresses, clothes, shoes and other textiles must be donated or recycled rather than thrown away as part of the state’s expanded waste disposal ban.

How Much Are Your Massachusetts Property Taxes?

First Published November 28th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 3 Comments

Map of the United States color coded to illustrate amounts of property tax paid in each county across the nation.

Massachusetts property taxes, higher than in most states and ever-increasing, are enough to push some landlords out of the industry.

Rent Control Redux? The $64,000 Question (aka the Bologna Story)

First Published May 12th, 2019 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Rent control may be returning to Massachusetts. Here we reexamine the story of Vincent and Laura Bologna to show how rent control worked in practice.

The Ashley Story: A Real-Life Example of Security Deposits Gone Wrong

First Published December 9th, 2017 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in advice, Did you know?, News - 2 Comments

The Ashley Story: A Real-Life Example of Security Deposits Gone Wrong - A Massachusetts landlord thought he’d get $3,463 from his tenants’ security deposit.

How to Avoid Housing Discrimination Based on Someone’s Religion

First Published November 11th, 2021 | Updated April 12th, 2023 Posted in News - 3 Comments

an overhead view of a densely settled neighborhood, with homes, a school and two houses of worship. The houses of worship and school are labeled by Google Earth. One house is circled in red. A text box reads “2 Bedroom for Rent” and has “Near Synagogue” and “Steps to Baptist Church” crossed off in red. The sentence “0.25 mile to high school” has a green check mark beside it.

Applying fair housing practices to all renters regardless of their religious beliefs (or lack thereof) goes beyond tenant selection.

How to Avoid Housing Discrimination Based on Family Status

First Published October 29th, 2021 | Updated April 12th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Don’t like kids in the building? Saying so and denying a tenancy to someone with children could land you in court.

Always Check for Abandoned Animals After a Unit is Vacated

First Published March 28th, 2023 | Updated April 12th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A young brown tabby cat steps onto a windowsill. Dappled trees can be seen outside.

Massachusetts law requires housing providers to make sure no one is left behind after a move-out, eviction or abandonment.

How to Avoid Discrimination on the Basis of Disability

The Massachusetts Tenancy Preservation Program: Helping At-Risk Tenants Avoid Eviction

How to Avoid Housing Discrimination Based on Age

State of Massachusetts Bans Mattress and Textile Disposal as of Nov. 1

How Much Are Your Massachusetts Property Taxes?

Rent Control Redux? The $64,000 Question (aka the Bologna Story)

The Ashley Story: A Real-Life Example of Security Deposits Gone Wrong

How to Avoid Housing Discrimination Based on Someone’s Religion

How to Avoid Housing Discrimination Based on Family Status

Always Check for Abandoned Animals After a Unit is Vacated

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